In a Public Notice issued on Thursday, 22nd September 2022, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has warned Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) against appointing concessionaires or consultants to assess, collect, account, or enforce taxes due to the Federal Government or any of its agencies.
The notice, signed by, the Executive Chairman, Mr. Muhammad Nami, reiterated to the public and MDAs in particular, the provisions of Section 68(2) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (FIRSEA) 2007 (as amended), which stated that the FIRS shall be the primary agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria for taxes and levies administration, assessment, collection, accounting, and enforcement, except as may be authorized by the Minister for Finance by regulation as regulated by the National Assembly.
Mr. Nami further explained that Section 12(4) of the FIRSEA allows FIRS to appoint tax consultants, accountants, or agents, but only on the grounds that “such consultants shall not carry out duties of assessing and collecting tax or routine responsibilities of tax officials.” He added that this act by some MDAs of appointing consultants to carry out responsibilities which, by law, should be carried out by the FIRS, is punishable, upon conviction, with a fine, imprisonment, or both under Section 68(6) of the aforementioned Act.
The Chairman concluded by advising any person, individual or corporate, who had any information or assistance that might be of use to the Service for the purpose of administration, assessment, collection, accounting, or enforcement of taxes and levies due to the Federal Government or any of its agencies or for the performance of its duties under the FIRSEA, to approach the service directly with such.
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